The course is a survey of ecosystems in California with a special emphasis on the relationships between the species, adaptations of those species to their environment, and general ecological concepts. Students will explore the environment and diversity of organisms occurring in our geographical area but will be able to apply this knowledge to other areas as well. Attending a minimum of one field trip is required. The course is designed for the non-science major and is one of the core courses in the Field Ecology Certificate.

This course provides both biology majors and non-majors with instruction in human interactions with the environment and resolutions to potential conflicts that develop due to this interaction. Understanding how life affects environments and ecosystems is an integral part of the biological sciences. To achieve this understanding, biological and ecological principles are examined as they relate to the natural environment. Major topics include the function and structure of ecosystems and ecological processes, the effects of natural selection on populations, the role of biodiversity on the maintenance of ecosystems, the variety of human impacts on terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems, potential solutions to adverse impacts, and the application of the scientific method in the examination of these effects. Attendance on one class field trip is required in this course.